Samuel Oliver follows a strict “Colour Responsible Policy” for the safety and peace of mind of our clients.
SKIN TESTING AND SCREENING FOR SENSITIVITY AND REACTIONS
We use testing and screening to check suitability for the colouring products we provide. You may choose either;
A) Colourstart Passport (MHRA APPROVED METHOD)
Please register on the Colourstart website and create your “Colourstart Passport”. Answer the screening questions, buy and apply your Colourstart Patch following the instructions in the video below. Upload your results to your online passport. Share your results with Samuel Oliver – (we are registered with Colourstart). Once you have created your passport and completed your first test, subsequent colour treatments require you to answer the screening questions – testing with a Colourstart test may not be necessary unless something changes. Your Colourstart Passport will confidentially store your records. For more information about Colourstart as a screening method for safe colouring services please call us on 02084625306.
B) AAT (Allergy Alert Test)
For your first AAT with Samuel Oliver or if it is 6 months since your last AAT; Make an appointment to attend the salon at least 48 hours before your colouring appointment. We will apply a small amount of colour formula to the inside of your elbows. Leave for 48 hours, should you experience any signs of irritation, reddening, swelling, inflammation, or itching please contact us. If you develop symptoms that make you unwell please contact a medical professional.
When you attend the salon we will observe the test site and ask you to complete a questionnaire. Subsequent colour services may not require an AAT test subject to screening questions that will be sent to you via email five days before your appointment. We may also require other industry-approved testing, we advise you to speak to your stylist about what is best for you.
All our stylists have been trained to test and screen for suitability for colour services. We have vast experience in safe colouring – you can be sure we only use the best products and invest in the most up-to-date practices. We take your safety and our work seriously. When you visit Samuel Oliver you can have peace of mind that we are taking the best care of you and your hair. Failure to complete a satisfactory AAT and consultation may result in the cancellation or rescheduling of the colour service. Thank you for your co-operation in our preliminary procedures before your service with us.
SKIN TESTING FAQ
HOW MUCH IS COLOURSTART AND WHERE DO I PURCHASE IT?
Signing up and ongoing screening on the Colourstart passport is free. The Colourstart PPD Patch Test is £15. You can purchase your patch test from our salon by calling 02084625306 and it will be posted to you within 2-5 working days.
WHY SHOULD I USE COLOURSTART?
Colourstart has been registered and approved by the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) – subsequently, we have to follow the guidelines as set out by the regulations. It is supported by the Colourstart passport, which means your details are securely and confidentially held on your passport. Once you have tested with the Colourstart PPD Patch Test, subsequent colour services only require screening questions on your passport which could take just a couple of minutes. Potentially you could make an appointment and get your hair coloured on the same day.
WHY IS IT SAMUEL OLIVER’S PREFERRED METHOD FOR SCREENING FOR COLOUR ALLERGIES?
You are in control of your passport and therefore your testing and screening. It is confidential, we only get to see your results if you choose to share them with us. You can use your Colourstart passport for screening for any colour service in any salon. For example, if you are travelling and need to use a different salon, you can share your passport results with any salon and you can have your colouring service carried out with little notice, you do not have to wait 48 hours for a skin test.
MY STYLIST SAID COLOURSTART IS NOT SUITABLE FOR ME – WHY IS THAT?
If you are pregnant or have active dermatitis you cannot test with Colourstart. You should speak to your stylist about an AAT (Allergy Alert Test) in the salon.
HOW LONG DOES AN AAT TAKE AND HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
You will need an AAT appointment at least 48 hours before your colour appointment. It only takes 10 minutes in the salon and the test is complimentary.
WHY DO I NEED A SKIN TEST?
Reactions to hair colour can be serious and even life threatening. There are strict guidelines from manufacturers, insurers, industry bodies and the MHRA around using hair colour. We endevour to give you peace of mind so that you can safely enjoy your visits to the salon.
WHY DON’T YOU TEST ME EVERY TIME?
We use screening to monitor the need for testing you before your service. If nothing has changed since your last test and we have a valid record (within the last 6 months) it will be OK to proceed with your colour service.
I HAVE BEEN COLOURING MY HAIR FOR YEARS, WHY DO I NEED A TEST?
One of the triggers for sensitivity and reactions to hair colour is exposure over time, therefore it is important we keep monitoring for your safety. Samuel Oliver are committed to your safety and we only use the best quality products and methods for colouring hair.